Dabur confirms: No ethylene oxide used in domestic masala products

Dabur India has issued a statement reassuring consumers that its masala products, particularly those under the Badshah brand, are not treated with ethylene oxide in the domestic market. This announcement follows recent bans on Indian spice blends by market leaders MDH and Everest in Singapore and Hong Kong due to elevated levels of ethylene oxide, a pesticide known to cause cancer.

According to Dabur's management, while ethylene oxide is not used domestically, its use in international markets adheres to prescribed limits set by regulatory bodies. The Indian Spice Board oversees batches for export, ensuring they meet required standards. Dabur's ethylene oxide treatment for export batches complies with these limits.

To further ensure quality, Dabur has established a micro lab for sterilization of export batches, opting for steam sterilization instead of ethylene oxide. The company emphasizes adherence to guidelines set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) domestically, where ethylene oxide is not part of regulatory regulations.

Despite challenges posed by recent reductions in limits by the EU, Dabur remains committed to maintaining quality standards and adhering to regulations. The company sees limited upside due to the issue but remains optimistic about growth opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Dabur India reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 341.22 crore for the March quarter, reflecting a 16.5 percent growth from the previous year. Total revenue for Q4FY24 was Rs 2,814.64 crore, up 5.11 percent from the year-ago quarter.

The company's acquisition of Badshah Masala last year, operating in ground and blended spices and seasonings, has contributed to its growth. Despite challenges, Dabur is optimistic about margin increases in its Badshah portfolio and remains focused on stimulating volume growth and expanding its market presence.